Muddying the waters: transcript Key on RNZ
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9:31 am, August 18th, 2014 - 81 comments
Categories: accountability, brand key, democracy under attack, election 2014, john key, national, radio, slippery -
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John Key’s interview on Radio New Zealand is quite telling. Guyon Espiner, patiently pursues some crucial questions, while Key diverts and twists and turns. He uses analogies that are not equivalent: a list of the All Blacks team under wraps, is not the same as private details of ordinary people who are members of a political party; Keith Ng’s process of exposing the failings of the WINZ system to keep claimants details private, in order to get that hole closed, is not like the way Whale Oil encouraged other members of the public to look at Labour Party members private details.
And don’t get me started on treating politics as a game, in which all is fair. I’ve been working on a transcript of the interview. It’s a wearying process, listening carefully to all John Key’s obfuscations, diversions, and attempts to gloss over the dirty politics that are a feature of his time as National party leader.
TRANSCRIPT:
KEY: What we do know is, you know, you’ve got a a book that’s pretty selective, in its in its emails and they’re based on one perspective. And probably a bit out of context and with a whole bunch of assumptions that are either aren’t correct or are made up and now can’t be backed up. But whose behind it? You have to go and ask yourself the question, “Who has the motivation? And who has the capabilities?” The answer is I, I don’t know the answer to those.
ESPINER: Well let’s have a look at some of those specifics in the book. Cameron Slater gets an OIA request granted from the SIS which embarrasses Phil Goff. It’s approved in a few days, which is unheard of for information to be released that quickly, especially from the highly sensitive SIS.
KEY: Well
ESPINER: Did that did that request come across your desk?
KEY: No.
ESPINER: So you’re the minister responsible for the SIS, yet you did not sign off on that request?
KEY: No.
ESPINER: You had no knowledge that a request had been made?
KEY: I knew there were requests cause, you know, I would have known cause generally they say, you know, there’s a series of requests into the into the SIS or the GCSB, but they often sign off on, well they would sign off on things on their own timetable. We’ve got slightly better processes now so they’ll tell me.
ESPINER: So, you had, I mean this is very unusual for a minister
KEY: No.
ESPINER: not to get, not to get OIA requests put by them before they go out.
KEY: Not always, to be honest. Sometimes I I myself am amazed the stuff I see on the paper that’s been released under the SIS. But, look, at the end of the day, I mean Phil Goff made either a genuine mistake, or he was incompetent. This is an issue from 3 years ago which probably most voters aren’t that interested in talking now but
ESPINER: So, why did Cameron Slater get the information that the general media sought, asked for, and didn’t get?
KEY: Well, you’d have to ask the SIS that. It must be to do with the way the request was written. But, and I think he actually didn’t get the information. I, look I can’t remember cause it was so many years ago now, but I think he got the [type?] of what was in there. But that was because Warren Tucker did brief him. I was saying that publicly Warren Tucker briefed him. I was saying everywhere, because we knew he was briefed on the issue. Now he either just genuinely forgot, or he was incompetent and didn’t realise it. But what ultimately happened there, was that he was wrong, and Warren knew he was wrong and was, maybe he was offended by it but it was a pretty simple thing so he released it. Lots of OIAs go out quite quickly. It was nothing to do with me.
EPSINER: OK. The accessing of the Labour Party computer. You have said it is OK for Jason Ede to have looked and poked around in that material.
KEY: Well, could I jus, firstly there’s a few assumptions in that in that whole thing. One as I understand it, [?] rehash we can rehearse [?] the whole thing. But one is that you know somehow National hacked into the thing. That that’s just not true. Secondly it was nothing to do with us in terms of, you know, the initial sort of thing. My understanding of it, only because generally
ESPINER: Yes but, but you, but you have conceded you think it’s OK for Jason Ede to have been looking around in that material.
KEY: Yeah, I do. Because there’s the, the point here was that there was no hacking of anything. Obviously a couple of these guys, one of which includes Cameron Slater worked out.
ESPINER: But it was supposed to be private material though isn’t it?
KEY: No.
ESPEINER: But you think it’s OK for one of your staff members to go looking around in it, even if it was mistakenly improperly secured.
KEY: So are you genuinely saying Guyon, if National made a bit of a mistake, and on its website, where people can donate to us or where there’s a there’s information about our members, if we, if we took our security off, made a mistake and left it open, and that a left wing blogger became aware of that, very much like
ESPINER: No, your own staff member and you haven’t. No one’s denied this,
KEY: No
ESPINER: Your own staff member picked through the information.
KEY: No, no, but let’s say a left wing blogger, because we had that
ESPINER: Well, no we don’t need to deal in hypotheticals, because we’ve got a real scenario right here. What is appropriate about the fact that someone in your office, was poking around in another party’s private information?
KEY: Take a breath for a second, and let’s just let me finish. OK so if a left wing blogger, went around and found out that there was a situation where the security had been taken off, right. And we’ve been told that to, I don’t know, someone who works in David Cunliffe’s office, would they potentially go and have a look? And the answer is , Yes, and that would be totally fine. If theall. If the Wallabies, on Tuesday night, left their starting line-up, up on, on, on their website, on their private website, would the All Black’s go and have a look? The answer is yes. And the reason I know that is it’s happened. And
ESPINER: So this, this is just a way that dir, that politics is, now is it? This is dirty politics, but it’s OK?
KEY: Well
ESPINER: This is the moral leadership you seem to be presiding over here? Oh, well, it’s fair game, the door was open, so we came in and had a look around.
KEY: Well, a left wing blogger worked out that the WINZ sites were open. And went.
ESPINER: And so you uphold the same standards as some blogger do you, as the Prime Minister of New Zealand?
KEY: No, what I’m saying to you,
ESPINER: Well they are the analogies you’re giving me.
KEY: No, they’re not, what I’m saying to you is, that a whole lot of assumptions were made in the book, or were cast that way, that were either would knowingly have been wrong because Nicky Hager must have known that was wrong: this is [?] that was broken into, or he was, you know, in such a rush to get the job out that was basically gone and run roughshod over the facts. But what I’m saying to you is that in the end, yeah, look, at the end of the day, people do look at things, and that’s just, that’s just the way it works.
TO BE COMPLETED
TRANSCRIPT CONTINUED
KEY: I mean
ESPINER: OK. Well what about the behaviour of your minister Judith Collins? Is it acceptable for her to divulge the name of a public servant, because he may have leaked details ?
KEY: Well I don’t have the details on that one
ESPINER: she suspected he did.
KEY: I just don’t
ESPINER: Well, why don’t you ask her?
KEY: Well because I. A: it’s very. Sorry it’s. Look to be
ESPINER: In fact, in fact, with respect, Mr Key, she has admitted that. She conceded she did pass on that name.
KEY: Yeah, but I don’t know the details under, of all of that scenario.
ESPINER: So why don’t you ask her?
KEY: Because, at the end of the day, we’re five weeks out from an election, people can see that Nicky Hager’s made a whole lot of things up in his book. He can see that he can’t back a lot of them up.
ESPINER: Well, I’m talking about one that can be backed up. You’re not going to get away with that.
KEY: See he
ESPINER: Because, because, this is one that can be backed up, because the Justice Minister of New Zealand has conceded publicly, that she did pass on the name of a public servant. That resulted in him getting some pretty severe death threats. And you think that’s, OK?
KEY: And people can see that
ESPINER: It’s OK?
KEY: And people can see
ESPINER: Yes or no? Is it OK?
KEY: And people can see that this
ESPINER: Is it OK?
KEY: People can see
ESPINER: Is it OK that Judith Collins did that, yes or no?
KEY: And people can see that this is a smear campaign by Nicky Hager and
ESPINER: I’m not asking you for a critique about Nicky Hager’s motivation
Key: Well I
ESPINER: I’m asking you about something that is publicly in the arena. Judith Collins has said, “I passed on the name of this public servant.” And we know what happened after that.
KEY: But the
ESPINER: I’m asking you a simple question. Was that appropriate, Yes or No?
KEY: context is totally relevant, because at the end of the day, I don’t know all the context of what happened here and in all those situations
ESPINER: You know the context here, Prime Minster. Please answer the question.
KEY: We don’t know
ESPINER: Was it appropriate for your Justice Minister to pass on the name of a public servant doing his job, who was then severely sanctioned on a website?
KEY: So, I don’t know all the details behind all of that. But what I do know, is that this is a series of selected pieces of information. Many of which can’t be backed up. I know that this was
ESPINER: I’m asking you about one of them.
KEY: Yeah, well, I’m not going to go into your individual ones, because in the end, this is a smear campaign, about which, I gotta say, started the week with with people, you know, out there
ESPINER: No, I’m not, you’re not going to talk about burning effigies, etc, because it has nothing to do with this.
KEY: Well, it does [voice hits a squeaky note]
ESPINER: I’m talking No
KEY: to do with this, because, at the end of the day,
ESPINER: No. this is about the behaviour of your Justice Minister. Do you stand by her today?
KEY: Yeah [slightly squeaky voice] I stand by her. And in the end, it does have a lot to with it, because we started the week with burning effigies. Then we went into, into, sorry, FU videos. Then we went into into burning effigies, then we went into Bill
ESPINER: OK, we’re not going to traverse the whole history. Here’s a final question for you.
KEY: but
ESPINER: Were you aware that Jason Ede was running, effectively, a dirty tricks campaign from your office? Did you know about that?
KEY: He’s he’s been briefing bloggers and, of course he briefs people on the right – just as people – I’m in the Labour leadership over the years have briefed people on the left.
ESPINER: Yeah, but he’s not just briefing a blogger. There’s a guy who writes, “Feral dies in Greymouth did world a favour”; calls people in Christchurch after the earthquake a a scum
KEY: Yeah b
ESPINER: Are you happy to associate yourself with Cameron Slater of Whale Oil?
KEY: Well at the end of the day, he’s not, he’s not my guy, Cameron Slater. I don’t run anything. Anyone who knows Cameron Slater, knows that he’s a force unto himself. And at the end of the day, yeah, he gets
ESPINER: Yeah. And what do you think of him?
KEY: information from a whole bunch of things. I’m not here to, to either defend the guy
ESPINER: But you are, because you engage with him and your office was in a systematic campaign of feeding him information.
KEY: No, no, what happens is, there’s certainly. Of course we would brief bloggers and talk to bloggers. And there’s a whole wide range of them. And so does the left. And if they don’t, then you’re either naïve or
ESPINER: Do you respect the work he does?
KEY: That’s not for me to critique his stuff. What I have to
EPSINER: Well, it is because you engage with him. You’ve told us that.
KEY: I’m not a political
ESPINER: You text him and you talk to him.
KEY: OK. I’m not a political commentator. What I have to do is be aware of what’s on blog sites. And the truth is, Guyon, you and I would have fifty thousand more conversations than I have with that guy. So, you can deny that if you want
ESPINER: So, are you
KEY: even though
ESPINER: No.
KEY: In your previous
ESPINER: No No
KEY: roles I’ve spoken to you
ESPINER: Yes so
KEY: I hardly the talk to this guy
ESPINER: So are you equating the work that journalists at Radio New Zealand, Television New Zealand, TV 3 and the other mainstream media do, to a guy who says “Feral dies in Greymouth did world a favour” and calls people in Christchurch scum
KEY: Well I don’t agree, I don’t agree with those comments. But he’s a shock jock right wing
ESPINER: Are you equating him with with the work that most mainstream journalists do, and the public listening to this, who consume their material? Are you saying to the public of New Zealand, “That’s just the same as Whale Oil”?
KEY: Well, all I’m saying is, whether we like it or not, social media is part of the overall media network these days. And I have to deal with those issues, just like anyone else.
INTERVIEW AND TRANSCRIPT END
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The “double shocks” in post Cold War international affairs. The end of the Cold War fundamentally altered the global geostrategic context. In particular, the end of the nuclear “balance of terror” between the USA and USSR, coupled with the relaxation … Continue reading ...6 days ago
- Buried deep
Here's a bike on Manchester St, Feilding. I took this photo on Friday night after a very nice dinner at the very nice Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon, on Manchester Street.I thought to myself, Manchester Street? Bicycle? This could be the very spot.To recap from an earlier edition: on a February night ...6 days ago - Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies, Excerpt Five.
Military politics as a distinct “partial regime.” Notwithstanding their peripheral status, national defense offers the raison d’être of the combat function, which their relative vulnerability makes apparent, so military forces in small peripheral democracies must be very conscious of events … Continue reading ...1 week ago
- Leadership for Dummies
If you’re going somewhere, do you maybe take a bit of an interest in the place? Read up a bit on the history, current events, places to see - that sort of thing? Presumably, if you’re taking a trip somewhere, it’s for a reason. But what if you’re going somewhere ...1 week ago - Home again
1 week ago - Dead even tie for hottest August ever
Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:The month of August was 1.49˚C warmer than pre-industrial levels, tying with 2023 for the warmest August ever, according ...1 week ago
- The Hoon around the week to Sept 7
The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts and talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate science on rising temperatures and the debate about how to responde to climate disinformation; and special guest ...1 week ago
- Have We an Infrastructure Deficit?
An Infrastructure New Zealand report says we are keeping up with infrastructure better than we might have thought from the grumbling. But the challenge of providing for the future remains.I was astonished to learn that the quantity of our infrastructure has been keeping up with economic growth. Your paper almost ...1 week ago - Councils reject racism
Last month, National passed a racist law requiring local councils to remove their Māori wards, or hold a referendum on them at the 2025 local body election. The final councils voted today, and the verdict is in: an overwhelming rejection. Only two councils out of 45 supported National's racist agenda ...1 week ago
- Homage to Simeon Brown
1 week ago
- Government of deceit
When National cut health spending and imposed a commissioner on Te Whatu Ora, they claimed that it was necessary because the organisation was bloated and inefficient, with "14 layers of management between the CEO and the patient". But it turns out they were simply lying: Health Minister Shane Reti’s ...1 week ago
- The professionals actually think and act like our Government has no fiscal crisis at all
Treasury staff at work: The demand for a new 12-year Government bond was so strong, Treasury decided to double the amount of bonds it sold. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September ...1 week ago - Weekly Roundup 6-September-2024
Welcome to another Friday and another roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. As always, this and every post is brought to you by the Greater Auckland crew. If you like our work and you’d like to see more of it, we invite you to join our regular ...1 week ago
- Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies; Excerpt Four.
Internal versus external security. Regardless of who rules, large countries can afford to separate external and internal security functions (even if internal control functions predominate under authoritarian regimes). In fact, given the logic of power concentration and institutional centralization of … Continue reading ...1 week ago
- A Hole In The River
There's a hole in the river where her memory liesFrom the land of the living to the air and skyShe was coming to see him, but something changed her mindDrove her down to the riverThere is no returnSongwriters: Neil Finn/Eddie RaynerThe king is dead; long live the queen!Yesterday was a ...1 week ago - Bright Blue His Jacket Ain’t But I Love This Fellow: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power E...
My conclusion last week was that The Rings of Power season two represented a major improvement in the series. The writing’s just so much better, and honestly, its major problems are less the result of the current episodes and more creatures arising from season one plot-holes. I found episode three ...1 week ago - Who should we thank for the defeat of the Nazis
As a child in the 1950s, I thought the British had won the Second World War because that’s what all our comics said. Later on, the films and comics told me that the Americans won the war. In my late teens, I found out that the Soviet Union ...1 week ago
- Minister of Injustice seeks to Entrench largest land confiscation in History
The Waitangi Tribunal has released an Urgent Report on the Government’s proposed amendments to the Takutai Moana Act 2011. The report calls out Paul Goldsmith’s proposal for what it is: a “gross breach of the Treaty” and an “illegitimate exercise of kāwanatanga”. The Tribunal is recommending the Crown step down ...1 day ago
- Takutai Moana changes another assault on Te Tiriti
The Government must abandon its Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act interventions after the Waitangi Tribunal found it was committing gross breaches of the Treaty. ...1 day ago - Greens call on Govt to leave Te Reo in schools alone
As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori approaches, the Government is considering deprioritising teaching Te Reo Māori in our schools. ...1 day ago
- Govt cannot ignore racism
The Government’s directive to the public service to ignore race is nothing more than a dog whistle and distraction from the structural racism we need to address. ...1 day ago
- Release: Lemauga Lydia Sosene to take medical leave
Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...1 day ago - Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...2 days ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...2 days ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...2 days ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...2 days ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...2 days ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...2 days ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...3 days ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...3 days ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...3 days ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...3 days ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...4 days ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...4 days ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...5 days ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...5 days ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...5 days ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...6 days ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...1 week ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...1 week ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...1 week ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...1 week ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...1 week ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...2 weeks ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...2 weeks ago
- Building consents data bad news for construction
News that the annual number of building consents granted for new homes fell by more than 20 percent for the year ended July 2024, is bad news for the construction industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Pay Tribute to Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII
Papā te whatitiri, hikohiko te uira, i kanapu ki te rangi, i whētuki i raro rā, rū ana te whenua e. Uea te pou o tōku whare kia tū tangata he kapua whakairi nāku nā runga o Taupiri. Ko taku kiri ka tōkia ki te anu mātao. E te iwi ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Gaps still to be addressed in callouts response
The Government must guarantee New Zealanders will not be at risk after making changes to the way mental health callouts are handled. ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Kiingi Tuheitia passing
Haere e te Kīngi o te kotahitangi Haere ki o nui, ki o rahi I te pō ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party pays respects to Kiingi Tuuheitia
The Green Party is paying tribute to the Māori King, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero XVII, after he passed away earlier this morning. ...2 weeks ago
- Potaka Brings Whakaata Māori to its Knees
Today’s Whakaata Māori announcement is yet another colossal failure from Minister Potaka, who has turned his back on te reo Māori, forcing a channel offline, putting whānau out of jobs, and cutting Māori content, says Te Pāti Māori. “A Senior Māori Minister has turned his back on Te Reo Māori. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...5 hours ago - Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...1 day ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...1 day ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...2 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...2 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...2 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...2 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...2 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...2 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...2 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...2 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...3 days ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...3 days ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...3 days ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...3 days ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...3 days ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...3 days ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...3 days ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...4 days ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...4 days ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...4 days ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...4 days ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...4 days ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...4 days ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...4 days ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...4 days ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...5 days ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...5 days ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...5 days ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...1 week ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...1 week ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...1 week ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...1 week ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...1 week ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...1 week ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...1 week ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...1 week ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...1 week ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...1 week ago
- The Secret Diary of .. Sheriff Seymour
MONDAYIt was a bright cold day in September, and the clocks were striking thirteen. A cold wind swept through the main street of Dodge. Rain was headed over the mountain range and would wash all the scum off the streets – but not if Sheriff Seymour, First Minister of Moral Conduct and ...11 hours ago - It Ends With Us ends with drama
Is the feud between the co-stars of It Ends With Us a genuine clash of creative minds or simply a clever marketing strategy that’s spiralled out of control?The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel hit cinemas last month and as soon as the cast stepped onto the ...11 hours ago
- A gal’s first hoedown
Last Friday at 7pm, Auckland’s ‘first annual’ hoedown began at the Grey Lynn RSC. Gabi Lardies was there to attempt a line dance. My pink cowgirl hat waited patiently in the lounge all week, quietly anticipating Friday night from her perch atop the couch’s arm rest. When I saw her, ...12 hours ago - The Weekend: When an email changes your life
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week (and 10 years) that was. A lot of big things have happened in my life thanks to my motto of “just do one thing”. As a teenager, I was perfectly content at the high school all my older sisters went to, but my mum ...12 hours ago
- ‘My approach was just to scream quite a lot’: Antonia Prebble’s many TV births
The star of Double Parked takes us through her life in television, including a quest to find Play School pens and a glitter disaster on The Tribe. She’s best known for Outrageous Fortune, Westside and Double Parked, but Antonia Prebble also holds a unique television accolade: most onscreen births performed ...12 hours ago
- ‘Messy in the most joyful and satisfying way’: Molly Payton’s perfect weekend playlist
Indie darling Molly Payton shares her perfect weekend playlist. Tāmaki Makaurau’s Molly Payton is close to wrapping up a tour across the UK and Europe, off the back of her debut album, Yoyotta. The 10-track record, inspired by the stylings of Big Thief, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell, sees Payton ...12 hours ago
- The slow and painful process of falling in love with my son
A lockdown birth, an abortion, and an excruciating back injury: Annie Wolfe traversed three hospital rooms on her hard road to motherhood. The Spinoff Essay showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members. Mum dropped me off at the ...12 hours ago
- Review: Home Truths by Charity Norman is an all-too-believable Covid thriller
Sam Brooks reviews the latest novel from one of NZ’s modern crime queens. It’s 2024, and we’re officially in the era of Covid art. After the deaths, after the lockdowns, after the vaccines, it was sort of inevitable. The entire world went through something, and now the artists have the ...12 hours ago
- Podcast: What drove the RBNZ’s surprise cut to the official cash rate?
The Reserve Bank hopes high frequency data will better equip the central bank to see the road ahead more clearly – but warns we’re not ready to relax into cruise control just yet. The Reserve Bank’s recent pivot to cut the official cash rate, despite weeks earlier stating that ...12 hours ago
- Universal Road User Charges Needed To Future-Proof Transport Funding
Interim Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says while paying fuel excise at-the-pump was convenient for drivers, changes in vehicle technology and variability in fuel consumption meant it wasn’t an effective way of vehicle users paying a fair contribution towards ...18 hours ago - Government’s Plans For Infrastructure Are “Promising” – Templer
Now, Templer is hopeful these initiatives will help projects get started soon and that there will be consistent management of the pipeline of infrastructure projects and workforce needed to ensure their delivery. ...18 hours ago
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argggh at his inevitable rugby analogy…
“”The point is, if the Wallabies left up on their public site their starting 15 on Tuesday, would the All Black management go and have a look?” ”
Outside of his script Key was lost. he floundered when his scripted responses didn’t get accepted. Probably because the only other place to go was the truth and he can’t handle the truth.
Also telling was his revisit of the Banks excuse this time for Collins
” Key is standing by Collins, and said he did not know all the details of the scenario, so would not go into it.
“I don’t know all of the details behind all of that,” Key said on Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report today. “
The Prime Liar cannnot keep saying “I don’t know” as the clock ticks away. It is already coming to a week when the book has laid out the details and it beggars belief that he has not looked into the issues raised.
The only thing more infuriating than Key trying to steer the conversation to the rugby was the fact he got claim the All Blacks for National and relegated Labour to the Wallabies.
Then I saw this: http://www.sportsfreak.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Team-Key.jpg
and threw up in my mouth a little.
He’s dog tucker, I’d say, as long as the media show some persistence
If anyone wonders why it is important that people like Mr Slater, Mr Lusk, Mr Bhatnagar and others named in the book, along with Mr Key and very definitely Ms Collins are held to account for thier appalling lack of moral compass and bullying, read this heart breaking article.
How many of the above have children. How many of the above think they have brought their kids up well, and have hidden their behaviour from them? Sir Doug Graham probably imagined he had done a good job with Carrick
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff-nation/assignments/share-your-news-and-views/10381126/Mums-tears-over-battle-to-beat-bullies
Way to go Guyon Espiner – good to see he has found his mojo wherever he’d left it last week.
And excellent work Karol transcribing the interview, your brain must be hurting. I only heard the tail end – to see it in print is very revealing.
I was actually planning to transcribe the TV3 video of last week’s standup, today. However, decided to do this first.
Transcribing is time consuming. I need to take a break, have some breakfast and coffee. Then will finish the RNZ transcription.
I think it is important to have searchable and quotable transcripts of some key (heh) interviews, otherwise they tend to get lost in cyberspace over time.
karol, You are a gem. The Standard is so fortunate to have your perceptive comment and dedication to left-wing causes.
For myself, many,many thanks.
+1
I know how time-consuming transcription can be even when you agree with the speaker; that interview must have been tortuous to endure repeatedly. To those not seduced by his glib manner, listening to Key’s words can be like fingernails on a chalkboard (or maybe; a glitching MP3 playback, is a better simile to those less long in the tooth).
As always, the cruelest response to any ShonKey statement is to simply transcribe it verbatim.
Transcribe (Chrome App) but please note that it’s not free although you can use it for free for 7 days. Also here if you’re not using Chrome.
where ever he and others have left it for over 6 years.
“National Party Leader John Key says Winston Peters would be unacceptable as a Minister in a government led by him unless Mr Peters can provide a credible explanation on the Owen Glenn saga.
“Labour Party donor Owen Glenn’s letter to the Privileges Committee completely contradicts Winston Peters’ version of events about the substantial $100,000 donation made by Mr Glenn to Mr Peters’ legal costs.
“Mr Glenn’s letter represents a direct challenge to Mr Peters’ credibility, from the only other person in the world in a position to know the facts.
“From Parliament’s point of view, the Privileges Committee provides an appropriate vehicle to resolve the points of conflict and to hold individuals to account. But from the Prime Minister’s and the Government’s point of view, that is not enough.
“Governments and Ministers must enjoy the confidence of the Parliament and, ultimately, the public. Faced with today’s revelations, it is no longer acceptable for Mr Peters to offer bluster and insults where simple, courteous, honest answers are required.
“It is no longer acceptable or credible for Helen Clark to assert a facade of confidence in her Foreign Affairs Minister and to fail to ask the plain questions of him that she has a duty to the public to ask.
“Faced with today’s revelations, Helen Clark must stand Mr Peters down as a Minister. That is what I would do if I were Prime Minister. Helen Clark has stood Ministers from Labour down for much less .
“Unless he can provide a credible explanation about this serious issue, he should be unacceptable to Helen Clark as a Minister in her Labour-led Government.
“Mr Peters will be unacceptable as a Minister in a government led by me unless he can provide a credible explanation.”
Right Honourable John Key – August 2008 – National Party Press Release (emphasis my own and to highlight, again, the difference between this and his stance on many including Mr Banks AND Ms Collins)
and some people commented on it thus
“J McCready 2008-08-27 17:45 – (Reply)
Thank heavens -a decisive answer to Winston Peters shannanigans. I was waivering on National but am now thinking it might be a serious contender again. Waiting to see more action, less pussy footing around.
#2 – James Lloyd said:
2008-08-28 09:47 – (Reply)
I am slightly amazed (to say the least), why it has taken so long for Nationals to realise that Winston Peters is A/ not above the law and B/ spinning the largest yarn imaginable. Just because you are a sworn in member of parliament does not make you above the law. There has been nothing but inconsistencies in all of his financial affairs, which by the way have all gone to court and have been held up and lost in the system for a number of years. Peters must the best funded MP in NZ to have what appears to be a bottom less pit of cash to quash and dispel all allegations made; eventually the truth will come out. Surely, the concern now should be even if he does offer a half arsed explanation and remains as minister (as he obviously has a hold over the current leader), wouldn’t this damage the credibility of Nationals if you decide to keep him on. As there is no smoke without fire and speaking from the coal face, there are a lot of voters that see Peters as a corrupt man. I say boot him out when you guys get back in power and start a fresh. New Government + New Start = New Zealand (Oooo catchy slogan !!!).
#3 – Vijay Kumar 2008-08-29 15:40 – (Reply)
Better late than never, goes the saying and I am immensely thrilled to hear John distancing himself and the party from the Quick sand of New Zealand. Well done and look forward to National and the new PM John.
#4 – david 2008-08-29 22:29 – (Reply)
About time and I think you could go further and stronger in your comments on Peters and Clark. Both dodge and weave and duck responsibility in a way that would never be acceptable for an MD or CEO of a multimillion dollar business, so how come we have to put up with it when the whole country and its international reputation is at stake? You ARE going to be PM and you should more forcefully act and speak as if you are already, rather than in opposition. Come on John, I’ve heard you talk about a new, more confident New Zealand…lets see some more strong leadership from the front.
“
Wow Karol, It was a hard listen, and transcribing it is a massive. Big thank you and Bigger hugs
This is a great service for all of us. In your final copy, please don’t omit the multiple variations on :
ESPINER: Your own staff member picked through the information.
KEY: No, no, but let’s say a left wing blogger, because we had that
ESPINER: Your own staff member
KEY: No, no a left wing blogger….
which went on so long that it was like watching a train wreck.
Because he is a crafted PR front. We never see the real Key. It’s why it takes 24-36 hours after something out of the ordinary to hear properly from Key. He has tobe trained in the script. He had his script BUT Espiner didnt let him stick to it.
This is something the press have singularly failed at since 2007, getting him off his script which is to frame it his way regardless of what he is asked.
This is the bit that got Key imo. It highlights Key’s nature as a compulsive liar…
… Key outlines analogies of left wing bloggers and rugby teams, Espiner puts the analogies straight back to Key, and Key’s instant reaction is “no I didn’t”, when he just did.
Key is a compulsive liar and this outlines it as clear as day.
..
ESPINER: And so you uphold the same standards as some blogger do you, as the Prime Minister of New Zealand?
KEY: No, what I’m saying to you,
ESPINER: Well they are the analogies you’re giving me.
KEY: No, they’re not,
..
Yet they were. Key can’t help but make it up as he goes.
Extremely valuable to have the transcript.
The lying-in-action is more evident!
Had to roll my eyes at this one:
ESPINER: So, why did Cameron Slater get the information that the general media sought, asked for, and didn’t get?
KEY: Well, you’d have to ask the SIS that.
[Erm, guess who you’d have to ask, to ask SIS that? clue: who is the Minister responsible for SIS?]
Put the following on O.M. More appropriate here:
Just listened to the interview.
“pisspictive” for perspective …. “ginirilly” for generally. Hangover much! New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
I hang my head in shame and embarrassment.
And what about this quote in respect of the Slater OIA to the SIS:
No. I knew nothing about it. It didn’t go through me. Acshully, I’ve been amazed at what has been released by the SIS. – sucks in breath.
That is more than a lie. To claim such an agency regularly hands out secret info. to any Tom, Dick or Harry – which was the clear inference – without any reference to him is bordering on libel.
And what’s this Warren bit? His name is Warren Tucker. He was head of the SIS at the time. Is it not totally out of order to refer to him as Warren… as if he was a personal mate? So unprofessional!!
and of course Journos asked SIS lots of things… got ignored… so telling a journo to ask SIS why they ignored journo OIA requests, is a little circular
“The point is, if the Wallabies left up on their public site their starting 15 on Tuesday, would the All Black management go and have a look?”
saddest try on an analogy here …. kiwis love rugby, politics is like rugby, nothing matters… privacy is gone…
I wish our Prime Minister would show leadership, and not draw false analogies
The emperors clothes have been found missing as the tide goes out Keys lies can’t cover the obscene attitude Key has for democracy!
Someone has to ask him did he release documents from the SIS to Jason Ede ahead of other New Media!
Their no substance to the allegations but Collins and Ede did do what Hagers book claims,
Can’t have it both ways Mr Key no 3 way handshake here!
So Mr Key you are Guilty by your own admission !
You can fool some of the people some of the time!
Where have all the Right Wing Bloggers Gone to whale oils website everyone!
Holy crap this is absolutely brilliant. Thank goodness Guyon Espiner has shown a bit of journalistic integrity here, I think he did a pretty spot up job holding Key’s feet to the fire on this, not giving him carte blanche to spin the story whatever way he chose. Key was pretty desperate to continue with his hypothetical about some ‘left wing blogger’. This made me smile.
One political promise a Party could make right that wouldn’t cost much is set up an independent anti corruption authority which would include a Media watch dog!
The Greens Labour And Winston should be shouting this Policy out right now!
Keys front completely exposed for the Hollow Smiling shell it is.
Was disappointed with Laila Harre having heard Key coming across very badly with obfuscation & distraction doing her own attempt to stick to her own line straight after.
Somewhat lessens the impact.
Remember this from Bryve Edwards?
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/nz-politics-daily-loser-either-way-ck-117839
Has Duncan Garner had much to say so far?
He is now just making it up as he goes. And it is obvious.
Key’s flaky support will crumble now that this is unravelling.
Bill English’s 21% electoral disaster must now be looking likely to be repeated by the Nats. How can any sane person vote for this mob now.?
Game Over.
The Good Times are a coming back now
you think this will drop national over 25% in the election? Where do you think those votes will go?
Centre Voters will go to NZ First and Labour, possibly 10% each.
Hard right nutters will go Act, expect them to pick 2 or 3%.
Those who are sick of the bullshit that goes on in the big parties will come in behind the only principled party in there, the Greens.
based on past polls and forgiveness or apathy towards their behaviour, i dont share yourconfidence
And what about this. “I myself am amazed the stuff I see ON the paper that’s been released under the SIS”??
Do you think he is on medication to keep himself …relaxed…?? He was pretty incoherent at times this morning when forced by Espiner to go off script. Even if he does get back in he is going to be no use to anybody. He will be hammered. Can the country as a whole not ask for his resignation?
Ha! Watched a movie last night called Shooter. At one part one some guy said to the other, ”Your moral compass is so out of wack you’d be lucky to find your way to the car park”. . Paraphrased due to some bad language. Thought of key at that moment.
he’s incoherent when he goes off script because outside the script there is only the truth left and he knows he cant tell the truth…
+100 Tracey
This struck me as odd too. The h minister of the SIS wants us to believe he has a hands off approach…
IF the no surprises policy was in place before the sis declassified and/or released OIA stuff to slater, as opposed to dminion, then does the following make a liar of the liar in chief, again?
As some here may know i have been pursuing the underlying facts to a statement made by bill english to the data forum. Following a request for an extension by the MSD i complained to the Ombudsmen. That office has chased it up and two things emerged. The one relevant to the PM is contained in this from the MSD
” In terms of providing the information to the Minister’s Office, this is required of the Ministry as part of the “no surprises” approach. All requests made under the Official Information Act, regardless of their content and nature, must be provided to the Responsible Minister for their information as part of this approach. The “no surprises” approach is consistent with guidelines provided by the State Services Commission and the Cabinet Manual which emphasise that a Department or Ministry ought to advise the Responsible Minister of issues that may be discussed in the public arena or that may require a ministerial response, preferably ahead of time or otherwise as soon as possible ”
eadof
ESPINER: So, why did Cameron Slater get the information that the general media sought, asked for, and didn’t get?
KEY: Well, you’d have to ask the SIS that. … It was nothing to do with me.
So who is it who speaks for the SIS? Isn’t it the Minister who has responsibility for the SIS? And that would be … John Key.
Oh noooooooo. This was one of the best exchanges finally ended by key suggesting that was then but now we have better processes so he sees stuff now…
This clown is our prime minister.
Chris
“This clown is our prime minister.”
Not for much longer.
NZ cant live on Planet Key any more now.
“Time for an overhaul” Jim Carey from (Mask)
“Slatergate,” Muddying the waters: transcript Key on RNZ
Great work here.
This was very similar to the way Watergate began in 1972 I watched while working in Canada.
As the 1972 Watergate scandal begun, from first the leaking of documents showing Republicans were behind the raid on the Democrats files.
Same occurred when the Nixon Government tried to hide all, and instead hit back at the press for releasing the stuff.
Understandably the press went ballistic, and we hope “free press” gets to do the same as they did, and begin in depth investigative journalism instead of covering only side shows.
Watch the thee whole story on History Channel after 8pm Tuesday 19th August.
So a plumber rummages through an undie draw, or ferrets through a DVD Collection and Target vilifies him/her as the devil. The Prime Ministers Office sneaks through and downloads computer files and the PM says “anyone would have done it” and it’s ok.
Kiwigunner plumbing to new depths of muddying the waters
Thank you Karol.
So looking forward to reading the “rehearsed” quote 🙂
No, I think it’s (in some ways) more innocent. Simply Key saying: “And we can rehearse the whole thing…” (as in We can go through all the dreary details if you really want to, but…)
Karol’s already covered it in her transcript to date: she renders it: “[?] rehash the whole thing”
I thought it sounded a bot like “rehearse” but, at the time, it made no sense to me. Will correct.
After listening again I think you were right first time.
“…well I suppose there’s a few assumptions in that, in that whole thing. One, as I understand it – haven’t rehearsed the whole thing, but – one is that, ah, y’know somehow national hacked into them…”
Ah true – I obviously need remedial English lessons: it was right there in front of me 🙂
Freudian slip. Pretty obvious he’s been up all night rehearsing the whole thing.
My brief contribution to karol’s transcript 8:45 – 9:58
ESPINER: Ok, we’re not going to traverse the whole history, here. Here’s a final question for you. Were you aware that Jason Ede was running effectively a dirty tricks campaign from your Office ? Did you know about that ?
KEY: Well he’s not. He’s, he’s, he’s been, ah, briefing bloggers and, course he briefs people on the Right just as people in (half burps as he says the next word) I’m sure in the Labour leadership over the years have briefed people on the Left.
ESPINER: Yeah, but he’s not just briefing a blogger. There’s a guy who writes “Feral guys in Greymouth did world a favour”. Calls people in Christchurch after the Earthcake (sic) “are scum. Are you happy to associate yourself with Cameron Slater of Whaleoil ?
KEY: Well, at the end of the day, he’s not, he’s not my guy, Cameron Slater, I don’t run anything, anyone who knows Cameron Slater knows that he’s a force unto himself. And at the end of the day, yep, he gets his information from a whole bunch of things.
ESPINER: And what do you think of him ?
KEY: I’m not there to either defend the guy..
ESPINER: But you are because you engage with him and your office was in a systematic campaign of feeding him information.
KEY: No, what happens is um there’s certainly of course we would brief ah bloggers and talk to bloggers and there’s a whole wide range of them. And so does the Left and if they don’t then you’re either naïve or…
ESPINER: Do you respect the work he does ?
This. To me, this was the most striking part of the interview and also the greatest lost opportunity. I see Ede’s work on the taxpayer’s teet as an achilles heel, and unfortunately Espiner let him get away with fudging his answer about his knowledge of Ede’s activities.
Of course he fuckin’ knew.
So, Keys cronies dug dirt on journos and held it over them. Result is that journos ‘toed the line’. But then along comes Hager and…yeah, the dam breaks on the whole culture of fear and intimidation. And well, lets take a punt at where various allegiances and loyalties lie will we? Is a journalist going to tend to be tight with a pollie or with fellow journos at the end of the day?
Ede and who-ever overstepped the mark when they believed they could intimidate journos and get away with it for ever. Party’s over. Key’s toast.
The Prime Ministerial Responsibility game:
Next time your boss or a client asks you a question, say “I don’t have any details on that.”
When they ask you to get them, say “No”.
When they ask why, say “It’s all a smear campaign by [insert least favourite colleague/rival here].”
When they ask if you have lost your mind, say “No more than John Key has lost his and he’s the Prime Minister of our country.”
ObfusKey was squealing like a pig this morning!
He has admitted to releasing SIS documents in reality by saying Ede and Collins did nothing Wrong They have his full support!
That means he has to sink or swim with them!
That was pathetic and that person who discovered the MSD web open had a third party tell MSD, they did not trawl through the site. Resign John Key.
Mathew Hooton eating dead rats priceless!
I’m a parent and know when my kids are lying because they sound like John Key did this morning. A stunning indication that the teflon has worn out and we see the collapse that follows hubris unfolding before us.
I’m a parent and know when my kids are lying because they sound like John Key did this morning. A stunning indication that the teflon has worn out and we see the collapse that follows hubris unfolding before us.
I think we can say the honeymoon is over and the marriage is looking shaky!
Its very clear that the current PM as been coached in how to spin/lie….or rather bull shit…as liars tend to try and have a logical narrative…and he is often/usually incoherent. Watch for the little squeak in his voice when the bullshit gets too dodgey…they havent managed to train that constriction of his vocal cords out of his performance..that tiny little part of his being that is beyond his conscious control. He is on the ropes…but dont expect the right to go like gentlemen. There are some very dirty tricks ahead.
Wow, Guyon was relentless
Yes well done Guyon Espiner. Sounding a bit like someone waking up to the kind of person he is talking to after having been taken for a ride for years.
Also credit to Matthew Hooten (ug, it felt strange to type that) on nine to noon for calling Key’s interview ‘a disaster’, ‘the worst interview he’s done in six years’, Key ‘not remotely plausible’, ‘not remotely credible’.
perhaps matthew has a line, and these guys crossed it… But he still appears to have given Hagers street name to someone suggesting harm could follow.
Yes, it will take more than an abandon ship face saver to save Matthew Hooten’s image.
I agree – the rats are scuttling but they are still rats.
anyone care to listen? Helen Kelly w Jordan Williams?
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/listen-on-demand/audio/tf-helen-kelly-jordan-williams-pt1-18thaug2014
Gosh John Key seriously talks a lot of dribble. Defensive in having to critique Cameron Slater, Eade, and Judith Collin’s actions but quick to accuse Nicky Hager and the Left. He sounds like one of those old agitator washing machines – swishing around dirty water!
Good on you for doing this work. I heard most of it but to read it slowly is another thing entirely. I have forwarded it on to others. For our democracy to work we all have to do our bit. Accountability and transparency are a right – and we have to demand it, from Clark and now Key.
Thank you Nicky Hager for making both possible.
xox
Dear John.
Great performance for Team Key and from Guyon on RNZ Morning Report. Explains why JK was not doing interviews on RNZ until this election year. More quality interviews please John and Guyon!
With his reluctance to be interviewed on RNZ at the best of times, something tells me Key won’t be appearing on RNZ ever again, certainly not as PM.
After this absolute train-wreck of an interview, imagine the searing hatred Key must hold for Hager. He’s probably at home now fashioning a voodoo doll out of rags and straw.
Wow. He’s so rambling he’s nearly incoherent. I listened to the interview and read the transcript at the same time and its clear that he was off his script and floundering on this. I guess the usual people didn’t tell him what to say in time for this interview. Good on Guyon for trying to call him to account for the feeble answers and blatant avoision (its a word look it up) even if Key still wouldn’t give an answer about Collins.
I think Mike Williams and Matthew Hooten on RNZ this morning were interesting as well. The main things I take away are:
I’d say its 50/50 whether Key knew much about this directly or was kept (or kept himself) at arm’s length. But the SIS stuff he can either be ignorant and forgetful or incompetent. Interestingly he’s using the same sort of language about Goff, but exactly the same conclusion can be drawn about him. We know the pettiest little OIA request in any department crosses the relevant ministers desk.
He says:
I knew there were requests cause, you know, I would have known cause generally they say, you know, there’s a series of requests into the into the SIS or the GCSB, but they often sign off on, well they would sign off on things on their own timetable. We’ve got slightly better processes now so they’ll tell me.
???! Does this mean 3 years ago you didn’t know how to supervise the SIS correctly but you’ve got ‘slightly better’ at it? Or 3 years ago the SIS didn’t know how they were supposed to behave and gave out information willy nilly without letting you know first, but don’t worry – things are “slighty better” now (or so they tell you).
Just to slip slightly into the unprofessional – John Key, you are an idiot.
Rage.
I’ve got work to do but could fume about this all day…
The gnats are going down and key is dropping them and I couldn’t be happier. That interview shows what a shallow, hollow, veneer of a human key is. Thank you Karol for transcribing it and thank you Nicky Hagar for the book. The disgust i feel for key and all of them implicated via the book is huge – they are low, they have no morals and they are sick. We will not let them win and we will wipe the floor with them in september and when we do their time in power will be remembered as an absolute aberration, a shit-stain on the political landscape and their names will be used to describe foul and unpleasant things.
And here he is running the same lines, same analogies, same lame acting like he’s just talking off the top of his head, much of it word-for-word the same rehearsed script as karol has painstakingly transcribed…
…but from an entirely different interview on a different station.
http://www.radiolive.co.nz/AUDIO-Prime-Minister-continues-to-deny-wrong-doing-in-wake-of-Dirty-Politics/tabid/506/articleID/52510/Default.aspx
Has John Key just told the world that if someone finds an accidental backdoor left open in the security into the National Party computer system that they are entitled to take all the private information they can find and use that information however they like, including publishing what private information they want from it?
Has John Key basically as leader of the National Party now given hackers permission to try and accesses that computer and a legal defense if they get caught for doing just that?
Anyone here think he will not have them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if they try and do what he just told them was perfectly okay with him?
It’d be nice if a journo could put that to him next time he tries that line…
Are you sure Keys was squeaking, I thought only rats did that. Usually the trapped variety. I must say I’m surprised….
OK.
Ms Ketteridge says under the “no surprises” policy the OIA from Slater was passed on to the Minister, but no comment was made
“This evening an SIS spokesman said the director was “responsible for NZ SIS Official Information Act responses and made the decision to release and what to release in this case”.
“Under the no surprises convention the director or a representative would normally inform the minister’s office about what is being released under the OIA.
“That’s what occurred in this case. Neither the PM or his office expressed a view as to whether the information should be released or to whom or when.” NZ Herald 19 August 2014
what does the “no surprises policy” actually say
“” In terms of providing the information to the Minister’s Office, this is required of the Ministry as part of the “no surprises” approach. All requests made under the Official Information Act, regardless of their content and nature, must be provided to the Responsible Minister for their information as part of this approach. The “no surprises” approach is consistent with guidelines provided by the State Services Commission and the Cabinet Manual which emphasise that a Department or Ministry ought to advise the Responsible Minister of issues that may be discussed in the public arena or that may require a ministerial response, preferably ahead of time or otherwise as soon as possible ”” (my emphasis)
So The MINISTER responsible must be advised. Ms Ketteridge appears to be stating it was complied with and Key, as Responsible Minister, was advised.
So, back to his interview yesterday
“ESPINER: Well let’s have a look at some of those specifics in the book. Cameron Slater gets an OIA request granted from the SIS which embarrasses Phil Goff. It’s approved in a few days, which is unheard of for information to be released that quickly, especially from the highly sensitive SIS.
KEY: Well
ESPINER: Did that did that request come across your desk?
KEY: No.”
then he changes and moves about…
Every time I re-read that transcript I think to myself: My God, if that was me, I’d be so embarrassed I’d take off to Hawaii for a month and leave Bill English to steer the leaky boat through to the election. That is just a terrible display of ducking and diving and refusing to give a straight answer. Absolutely, cringe-makingly, shameful.
Has the transcript been published in the mainstream media? That is damning stuff, exposes the real Key under the smarmy grin and typically glib responses, and as many people as possible need to read it.